Innovation

Elemental Coffee’s New OKC Cafe Elevates Quality, Community

Elemental Coffee’s New OKC Cafe Elevates Quality, Community

This is worth savoring: In the heart of Oklahoma City’s Innovation District, Elemental Coffee has opened a new chapter in its mission to redefine quality. The second company-owned location inside Innovation Hall’s community center isn’t just a café—it’s a statement. With a La Marzocco Linea PB espresso machine and menus crafted around locally sourced ingredients, Elemental is proving that exceptional coffee and community-centric design can coexist. The space, spanning 600 square feet, balances casual shared seating with intimate corners, inviting both quick bites and lingering conversations. At its core, Elemental’s approach is deliberate. Co-owner Al Shinn insists that “intentionally sourced,…
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How Specialty Roasters Can Innovate Without Losing Their Soul

How Specialty Roasters Can Innovate Without Losing Their Soul

Here’s what specialty roasters must do to stay ahead: innovate without losing authenticity. The specialty coffee world once thrived on quality and traceability, but today’s market demands more. Consolidation, like Keurig’s $18bn acquisition of JDE Peet’s, has shifted power dynamics, pushing big players toward risk-averse strategies. For smaller roasters, this is a chance to redefine the game. Innovation here isn’t about flashy gimmicks—it’s about solving real problems while staying true to the craft. Consider Assembly Coffee’s bold move: partnering with Brazilian farm Mió and the Coffee Sensorium to repurpose overripe cherries through controlled fermentation. The result? A limited-edition trio of…
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